PNG Lewas miss out on T20 World Cup berth

THAILAND will head to their first global event as they beat Papua New Guinea by eight wickets in Dundee to take one of two places at next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Bangladesh, ranked ninth in the world, knocked out Ireland in a low-scoring thriller at Forthill as 85/10 played 86/6 to hand Bangladesh a four-wicket win and guarantee their place at the 10-team tournament that begins Feb 21 in Sydney.
The Lewas, who beat Scotland and the United States in the tournament to progress to the semifinal against Thailand, could only accumulate 67 runs as they won the toss and opted to bat first in attempt at putting runs on the board on a slow wicket at Forthill.
Kaia Arua top-scored for the Lewas with 16 not out from 31 balls in the middle order and was one of only three players to reach double figures as PNG struck just three boundaries throughout their innings.
The left-arm spinner also dismissed Thai opener Nattakan Chantam while opening bowler Ravina Oa impressed with figures of 1 for 7 from 3.3 overs,
However, it was not enough to prevent Thailand reaching their target with 15 balls to spare.
PNG, who were also knocked out at the semifinal stage of last year’s World Cup qualifier, faced Ireland on Saturday in the playoff for third place.
Thailand captain Sornnarin Tippoch said: “We are extremely excited and emotionally overwhelmed by what the team have achieved.
“We are going to Australia.”
– Agencies